Description
OVERVIEW
The South West Edge of Western Australia features extraordinary natural beauty. On this 6-day adventure tour from Perth, you will be connected with nature as you discover its highlights and some hidden gems too. Walk among colossal ancient forests in the Walpole Wilderness Region, and swim at the white sandy beaches of Cape Le Grand National Park in Australia’s Golden Outback. Hit some epic hiking trails and marvel at the weird and wonderful Wave Rock. Taste your way around the Margaret River region and camp under the stars of the Milky Way. It won’t take long to understand why this route is recognised as one of Australia’s most Instagrammable road trips.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Walk a stunning section of the Cape to Cape Track
- Engage with Indigenous culture at Koomal Dreaming
- Taste your way around the Margaret River region
- Explore the ancient forests of the Walpole region
- Experience the coastline and rock formations of Albany
- Be wowed by Cape Le Grand National Park and its friendly kangaroos
- Marvel at the weird and wonderful Wave Rock
INCLUSIONS
- All National Park and entry fees
- All activities
- Meals – 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
- Accommodation – Swag camping (with basic facilities) 5 nights
- Transport – Air-conditioned minibus (max 16 people)
- Expert local guide
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Perth to Margaret River
Our adventure begins as we travel south from Perth with our first stop at the popular tourist town of Busselton. It’s hard to miss the 19th-century Jetty stretching 1.8km into the turquoise Geographe Bay. Here we’ll have a coffee on the waterfront, stroll along the white sandy beach and chat about what exciting things are to come.
A little way down the road, stop at the breathtaking Meelup Beach for lunch and a quick swim. Embark on a 2-hour hike to Cape Naturalist. Part of Leeuwin-Naturalise National Park, this hike features incredible vistas and will have you in awe at every turn. In the afternoon, meet Wardandi custodian Josh, who will introduce you to the world’s oldest living culture with his authentic and personal interpretation. Go deep down into the Ngilgi Cave for a memorable underground didgeridoo performance.
Arrive at Big Valley Caravan Park, where you will enjoy dinner and spend your first night under the stars of the Milky Way.
Drive time today is about 3.5 hours, with lots of stops along the way.
Day 2 – Margaret River to Walpole
This morning head to one of the worlds most gnarly surf breaks, Surfers Point, at the Margaret River mouth, to watch surfers carve up the ocean. Embark on an inspiring 6km hike along one of the most scenic sections of the Cape to Cape Track from Redgate Beach to Contos. Then put adventure aside as we taste our way around the world-renowned Margaret River region. Whatever your taste buds desire, you will find it here. From wine to gin, coffee to beer and chocolate to cheese, you will be feeling very satisfied and merry by the end of the day. You will also have some free time to wander up the main street in the Margaret River township and explore its eclectic mix of shops and galleries.
This afternoon we’ll continue our journey south into the pristine forests of the Walpole Wilderness Region. Visit the largest Tingle Tree in Western Australia and set up camp at idyllic Peaceful Bay. Watch the sunset over the ocean, and settle in for another night of campfire tales under the stars.
There are about 4 hours of drive time today. Stay at Peaceful Bay Caravan Park, which has shower and toilet facilities.
Day 3 – Walpole & Albany Region
Take an early morning stroll along Peaceful Bay before heading to William Bay National Park. Be amazed by the paradise that is Greens Pool, a magical beach perfect for a swim.
Head into the stunning Great Southern Region, cruising along a glorious stretch of coastline to Albany, seeing how years of natural erosion have crafted incredible rock sculptures and granite bluffs. Natural Bridge and The Gap are two of our favourites. Travel on to the Porongorups, which rise from the landscape like an island. Set out on a two-hour hike through some spectacular forest to Castle Rock. A bit of a climb but worth every bit of effort as you are rewarded with breathtaking views over the region.
Drive through the picturesque Stirling Ranges and come late afternoon, set up camp at a private campsite at Mt Trio, which has shower and toilet facilities.
Drive time today is around 3.5 hours, with plenty of stops along the way.
Day 4 – Mt Trio to Cape Le Grand National Park
Today get ready to have your mind blown. As we make our way towards Esperance, take a 40km drive along one of the most enchanting stretches of oceanside road you’ll ever see. Take a dip at Twilight Beach, one of many breathtaking beaches along the iconic Great Ocean Drive. Grab a coffee in Esperance before we travel a little further east to Cape Le Grand National Park. Set up camp at Lucky Bay, where you will find an ocean coloured all imaginable shades of blue and sand so white and fine it squeaks between your toes.
Enjoy some free time to have a bush walk or kick back on the beach and soak up the serenity. We will stay two nights in the well-equipped camping area.
Today drive around 6 hours with plenty of stops along the way.
Day 5 – Cape Le Grand National Park
Sunrise is spectacular here, and it’s also when the friendly western grey roos are at their most active. Wander onto the beach nice and early to see these before we spend a whole day exploring this incredible park. Set out on some hikes, swim at fantastic bays and coves and learn about its abundant flora and fauna.
Come late afternoon, embark on one of the best hikes of the tour, climbing Frenchman Peak to watch a spectacular sunset on our last night together.
Day 6 – Esperance to Perth
We have a lot of distance to cover today, so it’s up early and on our way. Stopping for lunch in an outback town, we’ll continue until we are marvelling at the 2,700 million-year-old Wave Rock. Rising 15 metres above the ground in a bizarre fashion, surfing this wave is a must-have photo opportunity.
After some exploring, it’s back on the bus to see the historic township of York. Surrounded by pretty countryside, it’s easy to see why this location was the first inland settlement for Western Australia’s early colonists. Learn about the Rabbit-Proof Fence, built between 1901 and 1907 to keep rabbits and other agricultural pests, from the east, out of Western Australia.
As your amazing 6-day adventure tour comes to an end, roll into Perth around 6.30 pm after travelling around 9 hours with stops along the way.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Meals: Please advise of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking. We offer plenty of variety and do our best to provide fresh products. Snacks, soft drinks and alcohol are not included.
Camping: Our tours are camping adventures, and participation and involvement are required from our passengers. People do need to enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and cope with extreme weather conditions if travelling at the peak of summer. Camping on this tour is a mixture of national parks, campgrounds and bush camps (no facilities).
Swags: When camping, we use single swags. Swags are ‘Aussie Bed Rolls’ made from sturdy canvas with a mattress built into the swag. Passengers need to provide a sleeping bag and pillow to insert into the swag.
Our wet weather option is a 3-person dome tent, which is shared by two people. These are only provided in the case of heavy rain.
Fitness: A good fitness level is required, and you need to be prepared for walks of between 3-9 kilometres on some days. This may involve rough ground and perhaps getting wet.
Luggage Restrictions: Bags are restricted to 1 × 15kg backpack/soft travel bag per person, plus one small piece of hand luggage.
Fit for Travel: As part of our Safe Adventures program, all passengers must complete an online check-in, including a ‘Fit for Travel’ self-declaration to confirm you are free from illness. Two days before your scheduled departure, you will be emailed a link to complete the online check-in for your tour. This is mandatory and must be completed at the latest 24 hours before departure. We recommend reading about the Safe Adventures Program before booking.
Changes to Itinerary: Our experienced guides will tailor activities on seasonal conditions throughout the year to maximise your experience and enjoyment. Any deviation from this itinerary will seriously consider passengers’ best interest and safety as our number one priority.
Minimum Numbers: This tour requires a minimum of 6 people to operate. In the unlikely event, the tour you are booked on is cancelled because minimum numbers have not been met, we will transfer all monies paid onto another departure date in the future. If this is not suitable, we will refund your tour price in full.
What to bring: A smile, personal belongings, torch or head torch, rainproof jacket, walking or hiking shoes, swimmers and beach towel, hand sanitiser, water bottle, insect repellent, hat, and sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks for the bus in your day bag. Suggested for the cooler months are thermals, bed socks, beanie and warm clothes.
Booking Terms & Conditions: We recommend reading our full Booking Terms & Conditions before booking.
